Multiple spindle drill press



May 11, 1943.

A. J. NOEL y 2,318,619

MULTIPLE SPINDLE DRILLl PRESS PiledAug. 1, 1940 Fig-f M dy( ATTORNEYS May 11, 1943.- A111011.

MULTIPLE SPINDLE DRILL PRESS 4 sheets-sheet 4 Filed Aug. 1. 1940' TTORNEYS f supporting member.

f lAnother object is the Patented May l1, `1943 NT4 oFFiclszfA llIULTlPLE SPINDLE DRILL PRESS Alfred J. Noel, Stratford,

Bodine Corporation, Bridgeport. ComidaY corporation of Connecticut Conn., assignorto Thev Application August 1, 1946, seria1 N0. s4s,144

, The present invention relates to improvements inl machine tools for automatically performing successive multiple operations on a piece of work,

and especially drilling, and similaroperations,

sugli as reaming,countersinking, tappinaand the like.

into successive positions by intermittent rotation -15 of saidv rotary member.

Y It'is an object of the vide means for intermittently rotating the rotary :mined angle,v operation of l 4 coordinated with the intermittent 'rotation Vof the provision of means for ac 5 urately positioning or aligning said-work holdfinished work therefrom. In general, according to the present invention, the automatic machine tool .comprises a rotary table` carrying a plurality of rotatably mounted work holders arranged atiedually-spaced angular intervals, equidistant from the axis of said table. 4o 'Ihe table'is rotated intermittently byra suitable mechanism through an angle equal to that sepaf d latter are successively registered with a, series of tools correspondingly positioned at intervals around theaxis of thetable. Suitable means is also` provided for rotating 'the work holders relative to the said table through a. predetermined angle at predetermined interes claims. ici; 77-24) work holders are heldin approiiimately the desired POsition for pieces ofl Work carried thereby. v

, In machines'provided with'incans for rotating work yholders in Y cessive operation of the rotary table with thev said tool to insure ation. A

Work from the work holders. Y l, l Otherfeatures and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter from the following description,

' tion and in which: Figure 1 is a side view, partly in crossfsection, of a machine tool including an aligning mechanism according to the present invention.

Fig. 2is a be rotatedwi th-reference to the table, and 'a drill ,iig adapted for vertical reciprocating movement` l v2,318,619 i operation of the tools upon the 1 Y I verticalcrossfsection of a1rotary t worktableincluding a werke-holder adapted to Fig. 3 is a detail in cross-section of a work holder, showing a cam for partially ejecting work carried thereby.

Fig. 4 is a detail in cross-section of means for rotating a work holder, the latter being shown in side elevation.

Fig. 5 is a plan view, taken online 5-5 of Fig..

2, of the rotary/worktable carrying a plurality of work holders, and a jig supportpositioned above said table carrying a plurality of jig plates, said view including a horizontally disposed drill or spindle unit.

Fig. 6 is a detail in side elevation of means for intermittently rotating the worktable comprising a pawl and ratchetoperated by a cam mechanism.

Fig. 'lis a plan elevation of the mechanism shown inFigQG. Y

Fig. 8 is" an axial vertical cross-section of the horizontally disposed spindle unitshown in Fig. 5, along the linel 8-78, showing the reciprocating mechanism thereof.

Referring to the drawings, the mechanism of the present invention is embodied in a` multiple spindle drill press for carrying out multiple drilling and similar operations,l Vsuch as reaming.

- countersinking and tapping on successive pieces of work.

'I'he machine tool'comprises a base 20, a hollow supporting column 2| a tool carriage 22 mounted for vertical reciprocating movement in guides 29- at the side of the upper portion of said column, 'and a rotary wcrktable 24 supported by a carriage 25 which is mounted for vertical adjustment in guides 26 at the side of the lower portion of said column. The latter carriage is vertically adjustable by means of a screw jack 21, supported on the base 20 and operated by a handwheel 23.

The Worktable 24 is keyed for rotation with a hollow shaft 29 journaled in a vertical bearing 30 in the carriage 25 and supported by a hub 3|, se-

cured to said shaft and to the lower surface ofV bearing. The cuter edge of the table 24 engages an annular groove formed by an annular shoulder `member 32 supported on the carriage 25 and a countersunk guide ring 33 secured to the said shoulder member. VA ratchet wheel 34 is keyed to the lower end of the shaft 29 `and, is thus adapted to rotate the table 24. A collar 35 forming part of the pawl mechanism and adapted to turn freely on said shaft, is secured in place by a nut 36 and washer 91 below said ratchet wheel. The collar and ratchet vwheel for'm part of a mechanism for intermittent rotation of the table 24.

The driving mechanismV foir'intermittently rotating the table is mounted,as shown, in the hollow column 2|, supported by a transverse' partition 38. f A shaft 39; having a keyway 40, Vis journaled in a bearing 4| provided with a bushing 42 and in a second bearing 43V secured by a bracket 44 to the wall of column 2 I. 1 A third bearing for said shaft, not shown, may be located near the top of the column 2|. A worm gear 44 secured to said shaft is driven by a worm 45 continuously rotated by`-suitable driving meansduring operation of the machine. The worm gear 44 is secured to a disk 48 which is keyed to said shaft, the said disk abutting the upper end of the bushing 42 and a shoulder 41 on the shaft 39, whereby the latter is supported against downward displacement.

A pair of cams 48V and 49 are carried one above the other by a flanged sleeve 50, keyed to the shaft-39.. 'I'he said cams are adapted to operate the mechanism for intermittently rotating the table 24 through a predetermined angle for each revolution of the shaft 39.

the pawl and ratchet which is operated by cam 48, is shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The mechanism comprises a link 5| engaging the sleeve 50 by means of a longitudinal slot 52 which permits limited lengthwise motion of said link relative to said sleeve. A cam follower 53 secured to the end of said link engages the operating surface of the cam 48.

The link 5| is connected by a rod 54 to a pin 55 attached to the end of the lever 56 which is integral with the collar 35. Pin 55 also carries a pawl 51 normally urged into engagement with the ratchet wheel 34 by a coil spring 55a. -A spring 58 exerts a force on the rod 54, whereby the link 5| is normally urged into the initial operating position shown in Fig. 7..

During a part of each revolution of thejshaft 39 and cam 48, cam follower 53 is displaced to the right, causing the pawl 51 to move the ratchet wheel 34 through an angle'equal to the distance between two adjacent notches on said wheel. The

cam then releases said cam follower permitting the pawl to return to its initial position in which it engages the next wheel.

In order to retain the ratchet Wheel 34 and the associated table 24 positively ineach successive position, a stop means is provided which is best shown in Fig. 1, operated by the cam .49. The said stop means comprises a plunger 59 carried in a horizontal guide passage B0 in the carriage 25, and normally urged by spring 3|. which seats against the spring `cup 62, to a pition engaging a notch .of the ratchet wheel 34'. The said plunger is operated by -a rod 53 .connected to a link 64 carrying a camfollower 35 which engages cam 49, in the same manner as the link 5| andV cam follower 53 which-operate thepawl and ratchet mechanism. Simultaneous rotation of cams 48 and 49 coordinates the operation of .the stop mechanism and the pawl and notch on the-said ratchet ratchet mechanism so that the plunger 59 is retracted to release the ratchet wheel 34 just before operation of the pawl rnechanimn by cam 48.- The plunger is then released by cam 49 before the operation of the pawl and ratchet mechanism is complete and thus halts motion of the-ratchet wheel as the succeeding notch thereof reaches' a position opposite the said plunger. As hereinbefore setA forth, the table 24 is rotated by the .ratchet wheel 34,7and is thus operated by the aforesaid cam-controlledv mechanism so as to be intermittently moved through equal angular increments for each revolution of the shaft 39. The sleeve 50 and the cams 48 and 49 are adapted vto slide vertically on the shaft'39 to permit vertical adjustment of the carriage 25. f

Means for raising and lowering tool carriage 22 in timed relation with the intermittent rotation of the table 24 also comprises a mechanism operated by the shaft 39. The latter mechanism is adapted to retain the said .tool carriage inralsed .position during each rotation of the table 24 and to lower the saidcarri-age for operation of the tools aftermeach rotary movement of said .table is completed. The mechanism, whereby this is accomplished, comprises a cam follower 65 carried by' an arm 61 .integrally secured to the carriage 22, and engaging a cylindrical cam 58 comprising a lower section 68a carried by the disk 4lY vand an upper section 58h which is secured to the shaft 39 by means of a flanged disk |59.` The d spindle. The ven by a belt 'I4 attached to a d by a drive shaft 16, journaled pulley 13 is dri pulley 'l5 carn'e in a bearing 11 rmerly occupiedv holder when the table com ged sleeve 85 fits on the kupper end" A- second tia-n 8l, a, ange 85a anst shoulder 9| normally urges the plunger Vinto the sleeve jacent tips on The sa' holders is the said cam. dstop. means for rotati sh0Wnf Vin`F1 gs.,4 and 5,

3.v The ng the work and comprises plunger V'of the he enver the i Z e rotation depressed vby t tter to .pass o ger 99v 55 aged tip, allowlngthe la plunger. v

Cams@ to rotate 8 are shown as havin the vwork' holders eachV time `a plunger g four tips adapted The spin dles carrying justably s rotation of the table 2L If desired, additional spindle ,0 tools, as shown in 24, Vfor horizont held vby the W ward from vthe Y portion Y| III of may be driven present invention, holdersf after they site eachof the spindles following each successive i kA radial arm |2| vis secured gear |43 engaging a rack |43 for imparting axial motion to the spindle |36 the sleeve |01. The said spindle vertical spindles supported by the said carriage.

provided, according to the which engages the work have been positioned oppo- Aligning means is rotary movement of the table 24, for accurately positioning the said. work holders to -insure accuracy in the machining operation. -This means i -comprises a jig support ||3 having a peripheral horizontal vflange ||4 integral witha conical skirt H5, which has a sleeve H3, mounted for sliding movement on an axially aligned hollow shaft may be khoused in a by a suitably disposed motor which Y Vmay be arranged, for instance, to drive pulley |41 l The removal oi' the workpiece is facilitated by asiaeia the tools from the jig plates. The. J'lg support I3 and the jig plates |23 are then raised.'releas ing the .pinsr83 of each work holder; the table 24 is rotated through kthe desired angle, and the operation is repeated.

As will be readily understood, each workpiece 92 is inserted into a work holder 80 before the latter reaches the position for the first machining operation, and is manually removed therefrom after the work holder passes beyondthe position.

c orresponding tov the llast machining operation.

operation of the automatic partial ejection device 293 secured to the top-ofthe table 24 by a hub 23|"v and provided with antifriction bushings I|`| `to facilitate the said sliding motion.

A head |I3 secured to said sleeve I3 is carried by a rod ||9-extending vertically through the hollow shafts 29and 230. The jig supDOrt ||3 is threaded to'said shaft for vertical adjustment, and is provided with a lock nut |2||for 'retaining it atthe'desired height;

preventing rotation' ot the 'jig support ||3 and the shaltk H3. l' A plurality of jig plates |23 are secured to the tothe nangell uhereinbefore described.

Means for effecting reciprocating vertical m0- tion of the jig support ||3 and jig plates |23. co-

ordinated with the'intermittent rotation ofthe table 24 and operation of the tool carriage 22 may be of any kind known in the art. It-may include mechanical, electrical, or fluid pressure means] suitably controlled in timed relation with the operation of the worktable 24 and the tool carriage 22, by means of the mechanism-operating the latter members.Y

in Fig; 1, comprises a cylinder |30 secured to the base 20 and housing a piston secured to thelower end of the rod H9. A pair of compressed air inlets 3| are disposedat opposite ends of ythe cylinderand are connected by pressure lines |32 to a valve |33.A Arcompressed air line |34 leads from a supply station to the said valve. .A

The'rvalve |33 is operated by lever |35 to admit compressed air alternately to either end of the cylinder while releasing air from the opposite end to the atmosphere. Thus, the said piston is adapted alternately vto raise and lower the jig flange ||4 of the jigsupport1|:|3 by means ofl bolts|24, each of said ligplates, extending over a workrholder 33 positioned opposite one of the spindles.- Each jig plate is provided with a jig carried by the vertical spindles supported bythe V carriage 22,

In addition, each jig plate |23 is provided with a pair of aligning bushings |23 for engaging the aligning pins 83 on each Voi? l vsupport I3 4inresponse to operation of the valve |33. Lever |35 is moved respectively to either operating position by an armature |36 controlled by a pair of solenoids |31, kenergization of one bushing |25v forguiding the drill or other tool solenoid moving the lever to one positlon,'and energization of the other solenoid, to the opposite position.

The said solenoids are alternately energized inA to the lowerv end of the shaft 39, the said con# tacts cooperating with pairs of fixed brushes |43 carried by a bracket |4| secured tothe inner wall the work holders 30 with reference to the table 24. Y

The jig support |13 land associated iig plates |23 are moved vertically between Vlimits as indi-f cated by dotted lines in` Fig. 2, the saidn movement l being coordinated with the intermittent rotation of the table 24 and the reciprocating motion of the toolr carriage 22. Namely, theiig plates |23 Vare raised yto release the pins 83 of 4the work holders 30 during each arcuate rotation of the table 24. VAfter the said table cornes to rest with the work holders in the succeeding positions. the jig supportand jig plates are lowered, aligning bushings |23V engaging plus" on each of the of the column 2|. Av power lead |42 connects oneof each pair of brushes |40 to a source of electric' power.- By suitable disposition .of the Y arcuate contacts |33, the solenoids |31 are alternately energized to operate the valve |33 so that the jig support |-|3'and iig plates |23 are alternately raised and lowered by the compressed air in the said cylinder', in thedesired timed relation with vthe intermittent rotary motion of the table l 24 and with the reciprocating motion of the'tool said work holders and thus rigidly and accurately l the tools. The spindle carriage'22 is then lowered',

aligning each piece of work for the operation of and the tools associated therewith operate uponV I the various pieces of work carried by the work holders. the drills or other tools disposed above the work- Jiglbushings |2l, in each case, guide table intoaccurate engagement with the workpieces.Y When. the machining operation is complete, the tool carriage 22 is raised, withdrawing carriage 22, for each revolution of the shaft 33.

It will be readily understood thatnumerous variations may be made in the aligning mechanl sm for aligning the work with the`tools in a multiple spindle drill press and in the control mechanismof the present invention., Fore-instance, other suitable mechanisms may be substituted for the described ratchet and stop mean: for interrupting the motion of the table 2.4 Means for rotating the work holders with referlence to the table at predetermined intervals ma;

also `bevaried. Likewise, other means may b1 `provided for raising and lowering the tool cary e form of such arcontrol mechanism, shown tion of each intermittent operated rotary member; a plurality of` work holders carried by said member; intermittent rotation of said member moving said work holders progressively into successive positionsopposite said series of tool-carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for `moving said spindles into position lfor operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion ofieach intermittent rotary movement of said rotary member, and for retracting said spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said member; means for aligning said Work holders with said spindles cornprising means for engaging said work holders in each of said successive positions and for rigidly retaining them against displacement during said engagement; and automatic means operated in timed relation with said spindle-reciprocating .means for moving said aligning means in workholder-engaging direction in advance of corresponding movement of said spindles in workengaging direction, said aligning means engaging said work holders during ensuing operation of the tools, and `for releasing said work holders from said aligning means after said `operation of the tools prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said rotary member.

- to', intermittent 2. In a multiple spindle drill press, an-intermittently rotated member; a plurality oi' work holders carried by said member, intermittent rotation 'of said member moving each of said work holders into successive positions opposite a series of tool-carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means'for moving said spindles into position i'or operation of the tools carried thereby-upon the work carried by said work holders after complesaid rotary member, and for retracting said spindies prior to the succeeding rotary movementof said'member; means for aligning said work hold-l ers with said spindles comprising means for rigidly retaining'said work holders against displacement in each of said tool-engaging positions during operation of the tools and for releasing said work holders before eachintermittent rotation oi said rotary member; and common means for actuating said rotary member and said aligning means in timed relation. l

3. In a multiple spindle drill press, an intermit-` tently rotated member; a plurality of work holders carried by said member, intermittent rotation of said member moving each of said work holders into successive positions opposite a series oftoolcarrying spindles; reciprocating means for moving said spindles into position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said rotary member and for retracting said spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said member; means for aligningsaid work holders with said spindles comprising means for rigidly retaining said work 5 intermittent' rotation and common -means for actuating said rotary member, said aligning means and said spindlereciprocating means in timed relation.

4. In a multiple spindle drill press, an automatically operated, intermittently rotated member; a plurality member and mounted for rotation relative thererotation ofsaid member moving each of said work holders into successive positions opposite a series of tool-carrying spindles;

'automatic reciprocating means for moving said spindles into position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried Iby lsaid work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said'member, and for retracting said spindles prior tothe succeeding rotary movement of said member; automatic means for rotating each of said work holders through `a .predetermined angle-relative to said rotary member said work holders with said spindles comprising means for rigidly retaining said workv holders into successiveA positions opposite a series of tool-- carrying spindles; reciprocating means ior moving said spindles into position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said member, and for retracting said spindles prior to the suceeding rotary movement oi saidv member; automatic v means for rotating each of saidwork holders rotary movement oi' holders against displacement in each of said toolengaging positions during operation of the tools.

the latter means releasing said work holders for through a predetermined angle-relative to said g' rotary member at predetermined intervals in their circuit; means for aligning said work holders withlsaid spindles comprising means for rigidly retaining lsaid Work holders against displacement in each of said tool-engaging positionsduring operation oi' the tools and for releasingV said -work holders 4before each intermittent rotation ofY said through a predetermined angle relative to said 'i rotary member at predetermined intervals in their circuit; means for aligning said work holders with said spindles comprising means for rigidlyretaining said work holders against dis-v placement in each of said tool-engaging positions with said rotary member;

oi' work holders carried vby said at predetermined vintervals in their circuits; and automatic means for aligning v 6 during operation of the tools, and for releasing said work holders before each intermittent rotation of said rotary member; and common means for actuating said rotary member, said aligning means, and said spindle-reciprocating means in timed relation. 1

`'1. In a multiple spindledrill press, an automaticallyoperated, intermittently rotated member; a plurality of work holders carried by said member and mounted for rotation around axes parallel to the axis of. rotation of said member, intermittent rotation of the latter moving each of said work holders into successive positions opposite a series of .toolfcarrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for moving said spindles into position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said member, and for retracting said spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said member; automatic means for rotating each of said work holders through ay predetermined angle relative to said rotary member at predetermined intervals in their circuit; means for aligning said work holders with said spindles comprising a plurality of aligning' members having physical alterations adapted to engage portions of said work holders and to retainthe .latter rigidly against displace,- ment in each' of said tool-engaging positions dur-J ing operation of the tools; and automatic means `for engaging said aligning members with said work holders before operation of the tools thereon and for disengaging said work holders therefrom before each intermittent rotation of said rotary' member. v-

8. In a multiple spindle drill press, an automatically operated, intermittently rotated member; a plurality of work holders carried by said' member and mounted for rotation around axes parallel to the axis of rotation of said member, intermittent rotation of the latter moving-each `of said work holders into successive positions opposite a series of tool-carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for moving said spindles into position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the worky carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said member, and for retracting said spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said member; automatic means for rotating each of said Work holders through a predetermined angle relative to said rotary member at predetermined intervals in their circuit; means for aligning Ysaid work holders with said spindles and forl guiding said tools into accurate engagement with pieces of vWork carried by said work holders comprising a plurality of aligning members having physical alterations adapted to engage portions of said work holders for retaining the latter rigidly against displacement in each of said tool-engaging positions during operation ofthe tools and also having guiding means for engaging each of said tools; and automatic means for engaging said aligning members with said work holders before operation of the tools on the said workpieces and for disengaging said work holders therefrom before each intermittent rotation of 'said rotary p member. l

- 9. In a multiple spindle drill press, a horizontal worktable intermitte ,tly rotated by automatic means about a vertical axis; a .series of toolcarrying spindles disposed above said Worktable; a plurality of work holders carried by said workand for retracting Asaid spindles prior to tablearranged in a circle at equally spaced angular intervals and mounted vfor rotation about vertical axes relative to said table; automatic reciprocating means for moving said spindles into aposition for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said worktable and for retracting said spindlesl prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said table; automatic means for rotating each of said work holders through a predetermined angle relative to said worktable at predetermined intervals in their circuit; and means for aligning said work holders-with said spindles comprising a plurality of jigs adapted to engage pins projecting from said work holders, and means for engaging the said jigs withsaid pins when the Work holders are in each of said tool-engaging positions whereby said work holders are rigidly retained against displacement during operation of the tools upon the pieces of work carried thereby and for releasing said work holders from said jigs before each intermittent rotation of said worktable.

10.` In a multiple spindle drill press, a hori- Yzontalv worktable intermittently rotated by automatic means about its vertical axis; a series of tool-carrying spindles disposed above said worktable; a plurality of 'work holders carried by said Worktable arranged in a circle at equally spaced angular intervals and mounted for rotation about vertical axis, relative to said table; automatic reciprocating means for moving said spindles into a position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said worktable and for retracting said spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said Worktable; means for rotating each of said work holders through apredetermined angle relative to said worktable at predetermined intervals in their circuit; and means for aligning said work holders with said spindles comprising a plurality of jigs adapted to engage pins projecting vertically from said Work holders; automatic reciprocating means for moving said jigs vertically for engaging said pins when lthe Work holders are positioned in each of said tool-engaging positions during operation of the toolsI and for releasing said work holders from said jigs before each intermittent rotation of said worktable.

l1. In a multiple spindle drill press, a horizontal Worktable intermittently rotated by automatic means about its vertical axis; a series of toolcarrying spindles disposed above said worlrtable;` a series of tool-carrying spindles laterally disposed adjacent the periphery of said Worktable; a plurality of workholders carried by said worktable arranged in a circle at equally spaced anguiar intervals and mounted for rotation about vertical axes relative to said table; automatic reciprocating means for moving both of said series of spindles Vinto position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said Worktable',

the succeeding rotary movement of 4said worktable; means operated by rotation of said intermittentiy' rotated"vvorlrtable for rotating each of said work holders through a predetermined angle relative to said rotary worktable at predetermined A intervals in their circuit; means for aligning said work holders with said spindles and for guiding carried thereby upon f herz' spindles into a position for the tools carried by the series of spindles dis Yposed above said worktable, comprising a plumeans for engaging said jigs with said pins in each of said tool-engaging positions'whereby the work holders are rigidly retained against displacementduring operation ofthe tools, andfor releasing said work holders before* each intermittentrrotation of 'said Worktable. l

12. Ina multiple spindle drillV press, an automatically operated, intermittently rotated member; a plurality of work holders carried by Vsaid member and mounted for rotation relative thereto, intermittent rotationof said member moving each of said work'holders into ysuccessive positions opposite a series of tool-carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means Vformoving said spindles into a'position for operation of the tools the work carried by said work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement of said member, and for retracting; said spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said member; means for au'- tomatically rotating each of said work holders through a predetermined angle relative to said rotary' member at predetermined` intervals in theirl circuit comprising stop means disposed aroundsaid rotarymember, and means on each of said work holders for engaging said stop means at predetermined intervals during rotation of saidv member; and means for aligning said work' holderswith'said spindles and rigidly retaining said work holders against displacement 'in each of said tool-engaging positions during operation of the tools upon the work held by said work holders.

13. In a multiple spindle drill press, an auto.

member :and mounted for :rotation relative to said member around faxes parallel tothe axis of rotation o1' said memben'intermittent rotation of said member moving'eachz-ot .said work hold;

ers into'successive positionsiopposite a series of 't tool-carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for movingjsaid spindles into a positionffor operation ofY the tools 'carried thereby-upon the holders after comple` vrotary movement vof work carriedv by said work tion o'f f'each intermittent said member, and'I for retractingsaidfspindles prior to the succeeding rotary ,movement of said member; vmeans for rotating eachfof said work holders through a Vpredeterminedangle relative to said' rotary V*memberV a 'predetermined inter-V vals in their circuit,a'-'starshaped 'cam Vcarried by: each of said work holders; an annular guide surface normally engagingfsaid cams for preventing rotation of said workV holders relative ,to

said rotaryfmember, stop means atpredetermined intervals around said rotary l'member for engaging said cams to rotate saidwork holders through apredetermined angle withy reference to said rotary member, and correspondingly disposed reaov cesses in said annular 'guide'inember permitting rotation f'said camsfandl'tvork holders lby said stop' means; and meansforalig'ning said work holders with said? spindles and' rigidly retaining said work holders against displacement in each of said tool-engaging positions" during operation of the-tools holders.

15. In a multiple spindle drill press, an'auto-v matically operated, intermittently rotated member; a plurality of work holders vcarried'by said member and mounted for rotation relative 'toy said member around axesparallel tothe axis of rotation of said member, intermittent rotationof matically operated, intermittently rotated memf a plurality of work holders carried by said member and mounted for rotation relative thereto, intermittent rotation of said member moving each of said work holders into successive positions opposite a series of tool-carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for moving said operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried byv said work holders after completion of each intermit# tentV rotary movement of said member, and for retractingsaid spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movementlof said member; means for rotating each of said work determined angle relative .to said ber at Vpredetermined intervals in comprising a cam carried by each holders, an annular guide surface engaging said cams to prevent rotationof said Work holders relative tosaid rotary member, stop means at predetermined intervals around said rotary member vfor engaging said cams to rotate rotarymem- .their circuit oi said Work o each of saidwork holders through a prefor normally said work holders through a predetermined angle with reference to said rotary member, and correspondingly disposed recesses 1 in said annular guide member permitting rotation of said' cams and work holders by said'stopmeans; and means said member moving each ofv said work holders into successive positions'opposite a series of tool'- carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for moving said spindles into a position for oper'- ation of the tools carried thereby upon the work carried by said work holders after completion'of each intermittent rotary movement of said mem? i ber, and for retracting said spindles priorto the succeedingrotary movement of Vsaid member; means forrotating each 'of' said work holders through av predetermined anglefrelative to said rotary member atA predetermined intervals in their circuit, comprising a star-shaped cam carried 'by holders, an annular' guide surface normally engaging'said cams for preventing rotation of said workholders relative tov said rotary member, resiliently retractable stop means disposed at' predetermined intervals around s aid' rotary member and projecting vfromsaid guide surface for engaging said cams to rotate said work holders throughV a predetermined angle'w'ith reference toA said'rotary member, and correspondingly disposed lrecesses in said annular guide member permitting rotation 'of' said cams and work holders by said'stop means; kand means for aligning said work'holders withsaid spindles and retaining said work holdersfagainst displacement in leach of said tool-engaging"positions during operation of the tools upon 'the work held by saidV work hmders. Y y l 4 16. In a multiple spindle rdrill presos comprising an automatically operatedintermittently rotated member, a plurality of w'rk holdersca'rried by said member, intermittent rotation of said mem'- ber `moving each of said cessive positions oppositeaseries oi'tool-carryin`g spindles: automatic reciprocating'me'ans for movuponv the Worl; heldby said Work` work holders into suc` pieces of work carriedby ing said spindles into Vposition for operation of the tools carried thereby uponthe worl: carried byy said work holders after .completion of each intermittent `rotary moveinentgof said member, anciforV retracting saidfspindlesprior to the succeeding rotary movement of said member; and

positive ejecting meansvfor partially ejecting the e said Work holders from eachof said work holders, automatically operated by rotation of said rotary member after said work holder is moved .beyondQ the last of said series of spindles.

17. In av multiplespindle `v drill press, an 'auto-'- matically operated, intermittently rotated member.; a plurality of work holders carried by said member, each vworl-r holder including arsocket for receiving a piece of work, intermittent rotation of said member moving each of said work holders into successive-.positions opposite a series. of toolcarrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for moving said spindles 4into position VVfor operation of thetools carriedthereby upon carried by said work holders after completion oi each intermittent rotary movement of said membex"A and for retracting said spindles prior to the succeeding rotary movement of said member; and

means for partially electing thev piecesofwork carried bysaid workholdersfrom each vof the latter, comprising Va. plunger socketin each work holder,'and an arcuate cam surface for raisingsaid plunger in each work holder as the latter isV moved beyond the last of saidseries of spindles. y

18. In a multiplespindle drill press, an automatically operated, intermittently rotated member; a plurality of `v lorlc'holders carried by said member, each work holder comprising Ya socket forrreceiving a. piece oiY work. and means for re-` taining said pieceof work againstrotation in said i socket, intermittent rotation', of said member moving each of said work holders into successive positions opposite a series `of tool-carrying spindles; automatic reciprocating means for the work disposed below the silientV means for normally retaining said plunger'v in retracted position; an arcuate cam surface for raising the plunger in each of said work holders after the latter have moved beyond thelast said series of spindles; and antifriction means l for facilitating; passage of said plunger over said arcuate cam surface. Y

20. Inamultiple spindle drill press having an intermittently rotated Worktable carrying a series of symmetrically ar-ranged workholders mountedfor rotationrelative to the worktable about similarly disposedaxes," intermittent vrotation of the worktable moving 'said work holders into successive spindle-engaging positions, means for normally retaining said-work holders positively against rotation relative to saidworktable durl ingintermittent rotation thereof; and means for eecting predetermined limited 4rotation of said work holders relativeto said Worktable atselected intervals in their circuit incidental to intermit-Vv tent rotary movement Vor the worktable.

, 21. In a multiple spindle drill press having an.

' intermittently rotated worktable carrying a series f so moving said spindles into position for operation of the tools carried thereby upon the work car` ried by Ysaid work holders after completion of each intermittent rotary movement .of said member, and for retracting said spindles prior ceeding rotary movement of said member;`

means for partially ejecting the pieces of work tothe sucand carried byrsaid work holders from each of theA latter comprisinga plunger disposed below the socket in each work hoiderand an arcuate cam surface for raising said plunger in each work holder as the latter is moved beyond the last of l tent rotary movement of said member,` and for retracting said spindles `'prior 'to the succeedingy rotary movement of said member; meanslfor partiallyejecting the pieces of workl carried by said work holders iroi'n each of rthe latter comprising a plunger disposed below the socket thereof; re-

the work carried by said. workholders after completion of each intermitv the 'axis of at least one of said spindles beingv 'of symmetrically arrangcdwork holders mounted for rotation relative to the worktable about simr` ilarly disposed axes, intermittent rotation ofthe worktable moving said work holders intosuc.- cessive.V spindle-engaging positions, means for rotating said work holders. at predetermined, in tertvalsin their rcircuit incidental to therotation of thefworkt'able, and for retaining2 them against vrotation Vbetween said intervals, comprising a star' wheel attachedto each of said Work holders; a circular Vcamsurface normally engaging a pair of adjacent tips of each starv Wheelto retain it'faghainst. rotation relative to the worktable; and stopmeans disposed at selected intervals'in said cam surface for engaging the leading tips of said star wheels during intermittent rotary movement of the worktable, and rotating the succeeding tips into engagement with the cam surface incidental to' intermittent rotation of the 'Worktable, said cam surface being suitably recessed adjacent each of said stop means to permit said rotation of the star wheels.

22.v Ina multlplespindle drill press, a rotary worktable; a plurality of work holders rotatably.

carried by said worktable and symmetrically disposed around the` axis of the latter; means for.

rotating said worktable intermittently to move said work holders into successive corresponding positions; means for rotating said work holders relative to the worktable through a limited'preselected angle at intervals inthe circuit of said work holders'incidental to the intermittent rotary motion'of the worktable; a plurality of tool-carrying spindles disposed around' the axis of said table, 'at successive stations 'of said work holders,

nonparallel to the axis of a work holder positioned at the corresponding station; and means operated in timed relation with said worlitable-v Vrotating means 'for reciprocating the spindle to bring the respective tools into engagement with the'work carried by said work holders after each intermittent rotary movement of the worktable,

and to retract said spindles before the next rotarymovement offs'aid worktable.

` 23. Ina multiple spindle worktable; a plurality of work holders rotatably carriedby said worktable,and/symmetrically disposed around the axis of the latter; means for rotating said vworktable intermittently Yto move said work holders into .successive corresponding positions; means for rotating'said Work holders drill press, a rotary .motion of the Worktable;

thereon;

relative to the worktable through a limited preselected vangle at intervals in the circuit of said work -holders incidental to the intermittent rotary a plurality of toolcarrying spindles disposed around the axis of said table, at successive stations of said work holders, the axis of at least one of said spindles being nonparallel to the axis of a work holder positioned at the corresponding station; means operated in timed relation with said worktable-rotatingv means for reciprocating the spindles to bring the respective tools into engagement With the work carried by said work holders after each intermittent rotary movement of the worktable and to retract said spindles before the next rotary movement of said worktable; and locking means, operated in timed relation with said worktable-rotating means and said spindle-reciprocating means, to engage the work holders at each of the tooling stations during operation of the.

tools on the work carried by the work holders to retain said work holders against displacement relative to the tools, and to release said workholders before the succeeding rotation of the worktable.

24. In a drill press having a series of tool-carrying spindles, 'an intermittently rotated member; a plurality of work holders carried by said member, each work holder including a socket for reand intermittent rota-` Ily ejecting the pieces of work carried by said work holders from each of the latter, normally inoperative work-ejecting member disposed adjacent the socket in each work holder, and cam-operated means for positively projecting the ejecting 'member in work-ejecting direction in the socket of each work holder incidental to movement of the latter by said rotated member beyond the last of said sexies of spindles.

25. In a drill press having a series of tool-carcomprising a I rying spindles, means for supporting a series of work pieces for limited mutually independent movement; intermittently operated feeding means for moving said work pieces progressively into a series of successive operating stations opposite said series of tool-carrying spindles and in approximate position for operation of said tools automatic means for moving said spindles into position for operation of the tools thereof upon said work pieces after completion of each intermittent operation of said feeding means and for retracting said spindles from operating position prior to the succeeding operation of said feeding means; means for positively and accurately positioning each of said work pieces with its then-associated spindle at each of said operating stations; and automatic means operated in timed relation with said spindle-moving means for moving said positioning means toward the work piece in advance of corresponding movement of said spindles, said positioning means remainating stations before holders mounted in feeding means; and

ing said Work pieces site a series of said advancing and retracting said tool-carrying spindles into and out of engagementfwith `vvorkiiny said Work holders during a period of restof saidf ing operative throughout ensuing operation of the tools, said automatic means withdrawing said positioning means from operative position prior to the succeedingoperation of said feeding means.

26. In a. drill press having a series of tool-carl rying spindles, means for supporting a series ofV limited mutually kindependent l rately positioning each of said work pieces with its then-associated spindle at each of said operoperation of the tools thereon, said automatic means releasing said work pieces duringA theintermittenty operation of said common means f or actuating said feeding means and means in timed relation. y

27. In a drill press having a series of tool-carrying spindles, means for supporting a series of work pieces' for limited mutually independent movement; intermittently operated feeding means, intermittent operation of said means movprogressively into'a series of successive operating stations opposite said, series of tool-carrying spindles and in approximateposition for operation of said tools thereon; means for moving said spindles toward said work pieces after completion of each intermittent operation of said feeding means and for retracting said spindles from operating position prior to the succeeding operation of said feeding means; means for positively and accurately positioning each of said work pieces with its then-associated spindle at each of said operating stations before operation of the tools thereon, said automatic means releasing said work pieces during intermittent operation of said feeding rmeans; and common means for actuating said feeding means, said positive positioning means, and saidk spindle-moving means in timed relation. l

28. In a drill press having a plurality o1' toolcarrying spindles, a worktable; a plurality of work a predetermined position on the worktable for rotation thereon; means for intermittently moving the worktable to carry the work holders into predetermined positions oppospindles; automatic means for worktable; automatic means for rotating the work holders a predetermined amount on the worktable at predetermined intervals inv theircircuit; and automatic means for aligning the Work holders with the spindles comprising means operated in timed relation with the spindles for rigidly retaining the Workholders against displacement during operation'of the tools and forlreleasing the work holders before each movement of the y worktable.

` vALFRED J. NOEL.

pieces progressivelyinto a` said positive positioning 

